Complaint Process

Savannah State University is committed to a policy of fair treatment of its students in their relationships with fellow students, faculty, staff and administrators. Students are encouraged to seek an informal resolution of the matter directly with the faculty or individual(s) involved when possible. For matters where a resolution is not feasible, a Complaint Form can be completed and filed with the Division of Student Affairs located in Room 247 of the King Frazier Student Center. If the subject matter is an academic complaint-on campus or online, the complaint is forwarded to Dr. Frank Williams, Director for Online Education and Special Assistant to the Provost or to the Provost.

However, if an issue cannot be resolved internally, you may file a complaint with the University System of Georgia at 1-877-516-3462 or at https://savannahstate.alertline.com. These new regulations require us to provide prospective and current students with contact information for filing complaints with the appropriate state agency.

The Savannah State University Police Department is responsible for protecting Students, Faculty, Staff, and visitors, detecting crime, regulating traffic, and dealing with a variety of University problems. The Internal Affairs Bureau was established for the purpose of investigating allegations of improper conduct by members of the Department. Upon receipt of a citizen complaint every effort is made to ensure a thorough, fair and timely investigation of the allegation(s) contained in the complaint.

It is the intent of SSU to provide this grievance procedure in order that these serious concerns might be resolved completely and amicably. We, therefore fully intend that these internal remedies be exhausted prior to the filing of any legal action:

Sexual Harassment: It is the policy of Savannah State University that all employees and students are able to work in an environment free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment refers to behavior, either direct or indirect, which is not welcome, which is personally offensive, which debilitates morale, and which therefore interferes with the University's mission and its effectiveness. Sexual harassment includes behavior that may not be considered overtly sexual. Federal law prohibits sexual harassment under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The existing Board of Regents' policy states "that it shall be unlawful discriminatory practice for any employer, because of the sex of any person, to discharge without cause, to refuse to hire, or otherwise discriminate against any person with respect to any matter directly or indirectly related to employment or academic standing. "Sexual harassment, whether by peers, by persons in authority, or by students or faculty, violates federal law and Board policy. It is the intent of these policies to include sexual harassment by peers.

Ombudsman: An Ombudsperson is an impartial person who provides confidential and informal assistance for resolving University-related concerns, especially those that are not being adequately addressed through usual procedures. The Ombudsperson is independent of the University's formal administrative structure and considers all sides of an issue in an impartial and objective manner. An Ombudsperson cannot impose solutions but can help to identify strategies for resolution.